Amanda Elizabeth (Kelling) Stephens (1876-1925)

KELLING, STEPHENS

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

Amanda Kelling Stephens, for many years a resident of Goldfield, died Sunday morning in the hospital at Fort Dodge following an operation for the removal of gall stones. The remains were brought to Goldfield and funeral service held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment was made in Glenwood cemetery.

Her untimely death was indeed a shock to the community as few knew of her sickness, as she was a person who bore her own troubles without complaining. She was a woman who was loved by all who knew her and her passing ended a lifetime devotion to home, her family and church. She had no other interests and wanted none.

The sincere sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved husband and family in the hour of their greatest affliction. In the absence of the regular pastor, the Rev. Mr. Allen of Winterset had charge of the services.

Obituary

Amanda E. Kelling was born in Goldfield, Iowa, March 10, 1876; was married to D. M. Stephens March 3, 1903; was a member of the United Presbyterian church. She died in a hospital in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, August 23, 1925.

Seven children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. The four living, in the order of their ages are Ruth, Thelma, Howard and Don.

The deceased was one of a family of thirteen children, eight boys and five girls. Her death was the first break in the family circle.

In brief, this tells the life history of a span of nearly fifty years, during which time she lived a life above suspicion and reproach. As a parent she lived for her children and family. As a citizen and neighbor she exerted a powerful influence for good. As a wife none could have been more devoted. As a Christian she shunned ostentation or show and practiced the religion she professed and saw to it that her children were surrounded by the best Christian influences. Her influence will live on and the community is better because of the work that she has done. She. left her children a rich heritage and if they fail, their failure will be thru no fault of hers.

In Memoriam

And now I wish to acknowledge the personal debt I owe the departed. No wife could be more devoted. Suspicion was foreign to her nature, and I can truthfully say that she never uttered a cross or angry word during the more than twenty years of our married life. Such devotion is worthy of mention at this time and I make record of it. If our home life has been as good or better than the average, the credit belongs to her good sense. Farewell. —D. M. Stephens.

From A Friend

There has passed away from us a beautiful spirit, quiet, sweet and womanly. There has slipped away from ns one who possessed the soul of a perfect mother—kind, gentle and patient—the secret of whose beautiful influence was to be found in her love for and faith in humanity. There has gone from our community one who was a kind neighbor, a useful member of society, the center of a home where gleamed love's holy light and cheerful warmth, one who understood the secret of home-making. Amanda Kelling Stephens was an able personality, the-story of whose influence, is registered in the lives of friends and neighbors and is enshrined in the hearts of her children and her partner for life. This sweet spirit has lived almost five decades among us and now we only say, farewell, neighbor, beloved friend, may the friends on the Heavenly Hills greet you. –Goldfield

The Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, August 27, 1925